Seattle Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice retiring after 7 NFL seasons

Wide receiver Sidney Rice #18 of the Seattle Seahawks just misses making a touchdown catch against Nnamdi Asomugha #28 of the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on September 15, 2013 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 29-3.

Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Known for his elite speed, if a defender missed, Sidney Rice could be gone in a flash. After seven seasons in the NFL, now so is his career.

The 27-year-old wide receiver has decided to call it a career, announcing his retirement on Wednesday.

"After careful consideration and seven wonderful years playing in the National Football League, including the last three for the Seattle Seahawks, I have decided to retire from playing in the National Football League," said Rice in a statement. "I have enjoyed my experiences with all of my coaches, teammates and passionate Seahawks fans. “

Coming over from the Minnesota Vikings, Rice has spent the last three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Plagued by injuries in his career, he only played in eight games last season; catching 15 passes for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Rice suffered a torn ACL in Oct. and was placed on injured reserve.

“I’ve hit the ground a number of times. I have quite a few injuries. It’s something I’ve always battled through and came back from,” said Rice.“But I just figure at this point I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I want to be able to function and do things later down the road.”

Released by the Seahawks in Feb., Rice re-signed with the team in April. In his career, Rice had 3,592 yards and 30 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl in 2009, as a member of the Vikings.

"The entire organization would like to thank Sidney for his leadership over the past three seasons," said Seahawks general manager John Schneider. "His time as a Seahawks player displayed the core values that [coach] Pete [Carroll] and I aimed to bring to the program. Sidney is a true champion. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

Rice and his family plan to stay in the Seattle area, where he now plans to focus on his several business ventures.

“The state has grown on me, the people,” said Rice. “The best fans you could ever hope for. So I’ll be around as much as possible in the locker room with those guys.”

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To say Andrew is a sports enthusiast would be an understatement. Growing up in Colorado, he has played, watched and even worked in local sports. Andrew has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado. He is currently a Content Manager for Examiner, overseeing several channels including Sports.